A small car can be an object of desire. But in these days of economic uncertainty, crowded roads, urban driving, environmental concern and crippling fuel costs the supermini comes into its own.
They’ve always been popular – the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa go back 50 years in the UK between them – but the way we use cars in the new Millennium means smaller, cheaper, more frugal vehicles have really come into their own.
There are about 20 models in the supermini sector – think Fiesta, Corsa, Renault Clio, Toyota Yaris, Volkswagen Polo – and there are other small cars in similar sectors encroaching on the same territory. Small SUVs like the Nissan Juke. Small MPVs like the Vauxhall Meriva. The Mini, Citroen DS3 and the new electric Nissan Leaf.
So, there’s plenty to choose from, but choice can make what might initially look like a simple choice into a difficult one.
To assist we’ve assembled a choice of ten great small cars for you to choose from.
They’re not necessarily the ten best on style, price, practicality of overall quality – but there’s a good spread of choices from the big hitters to some rather more leftfield choices.
And if that’s not enough we’ve rounded up most of the small cars on sale in 2011 in the UK, so you can’t say you’re not spoiled for choice.
What follows are ten of the best small cars on the UK market.
Ford Fiesta (2008)
Starting price - £9,495
Ford has been selling the Fiesta in the UK for nearly 35 years now and the small car remains a hit for the manufacturer thanks to its brilliant mix of excellent driving manners, a strong interior, cool exterior styling and good engine range.
Currently the best-selling car in Britain this year (it has been for some years), the supermini comes with an engine range including three petrol and two diesel units.
One of the diesel engines, a 1.6 litre Duratorq TDCi, can be found on the ECOnetic trim model contributes towards a CO2 emission of less than 100g/km and a fuel economy which surpasses the capabilities of hybrids such as the Toyota Prius.
Vauxhall Corsa (2006)
Starting price - £8,995
Nearly 20 years on British roads, the Vauxhall Corsa remains one of the best-selling small cars in the UK.
The current generation model, which received a facelift this year, is now offered with a frugal choice from Vauxhall’s ecoFlex engine alongside a number of standard petrol and diesels. The economic friendly engines mean low tax and insurance premiums on offer.
Dukes it out with the Fiesta for sales and gongs in the small car sector; quality has substantially improved in the recent model and the Corsa should be a little cheaper.
Suzuki Swift (2010)
Starting price - £10,210
The second generation Suzuki Swift supermini built a reputation as a very cheap and fun car to drive. Now the third and most recent version launched last year is trying to build upon that success.
The current Swift is bigger and more expensive compared to some of the other popular ‘superminis’ around. It’s available with a 93bhp 1.2 litre petrol engine, or alternatively a 73bhp 1.3 DDiS diesel.
The new car retains the same formula for being simple, agile and adds more quality to the styling and interior.
Audi A1 (2010)
Starting price - £13,420
The new A1 supermini is Audi’s first real crack at a small car, which is aimed specifically to surpass more premium hatchbacks like the Mini and the Alfa Romeo Mito.
It is offered in three specifications in the UK, with a choice from two turbocharged petrol engines or a 1.6 litre diesel unit.
While a more pricey choice, the A1 has been well received by motoring journalists, rating highly in performance, economy, insurance and comfort. It is now widely regarded as one of the most desirable ‘superminis’ sitting in dealerships now.
Toyota iQ (2009)
Starting price - £9,995
At less than three metres long, the iQ is about the same size as the ultra compact Smart ForTwo but offers more innovation and versatility for your money.
Given its size, the iQ has a surprising amount of cabin room and still finds the space for either a 1.0 or 1.3 litre petrol engine or a 1.4 litre diesel unit plus nine airbags for safety. Each engine is suited fine for driving about town.
Design features such as a flat fuel tank, rear angled shock absorbers and specially slimmed seat design give drivers plenty of room to drive this manoeuvrable, modern looking car.
Citroen DS3 (2009)
Starting price - £12,405
The first model in Citroen’s new DS line-up, this supermini has been a massive success since launch.
Offered with a few petrol units – THP engines are particularly good – and a solid HDi diesel engine, the DS3 boasts a quirky appearance, wide range of customisation and low running costs (with diesel engines – one emits under 100g/km) to its owners.
Against key rivals like the Mini and Alfa Romeo Mito; the DS3 may be slightly more expensive but has the superior performance figures and cool styling to persuade customers. The car’s large cabinet of awards received provide a compelling case to.
Volkswagen Polo (2009)
Starting price - £9,495
After thirty years still selling strong, the Volkswagen Polo supermini remains a sensible – if rather boring – choice for motorists looking for a small car.
The latest Mark 5 model is essentially a scaled down version of its counterpart the Golf, bearing a very similar look and high quality interior.
A host of petrol and diesel engines are available to choose from, including a couple of VW’s BlueMotion diesels, the most economical of which can run an average fuel economy of 81mpg. The Polo offers a comfortable family friendly ride for a sensible motorist.
Renault Clio (2006)
Starting price - £8,995
The small French supermini remains one of the most spacious, refined and safe small cars on the market, although it’s starting to look long in the tooth compared to rivals.
In 2009 the Clio received a facelift and mild refresh, making the car better to drive and better-looking.
The current engine range includes four petrol units and a few diesels. High performance specifications like the Renaultsport and Gordini trims are also available for those who fancy a very sporty hatchback.
Skoda Fabia (2007)
Starting price - £9,880
Skoda has enjoyed critical and sales success in the last few years, thanks in no small part to the excellent Fabia supermini.
The Mark II Fabia boasts a long list of petrol and diesel engines and comes in six trims. One specification, the Greenline II, has a 1.2l TDI diesel engine and offers a CO2 emission rating as low as 89g/km and a combined fuel economy of 83.1mpg. Each engine should offer some versatility.
Carrying a strong reputation for looks, reliability, running costs and green credentials, the Skoda Fabia is a safe small-car bet with looks to match.
Nissan Leaf (2011)
Starting price - £25,990
The recently launched Leaf should drive just like any other small family car found in the market, this model however wont make any harmful emissions or indeed much noise however because its purely electric powered.
Amongst all the recent controversy spilled out over the uncertain viability of electric cars, how the Leaf actually performs as a car may be overlooked now. This is despite the fact the Leaf was named Car of the Year for 2011.
Not only does the Nissan look normal, but the steering is light, it’s cheap to run, practical, well equipped, and exempt from company car tax and congestion charges. That’s virtually all you could ask from a small car really, but pricing and opinions on electric cars are two obvious stumbling blocks for the Leaf.
Small car alternatives
Of course there are loads of other small cars currently available in the UK market. Here is a rundown of some of the models (hatchback and more) that didn’t make the top ten but may be worth considering.
Renault Twingo (2007)
Starting price - £7,795
Smaller then the Clio, the second generation Renault Twingo is a cheap and simple option for motorists. Not particularly remarkable in any category but well equipped at least.
Renaultsport versions are much more fun but considerably more costly. Drop-top version is the unlikely-titled Renault Wind.
Fiat 500 (2008)
Starting price - £9,900
Ok, the 500 is a city car but its wide appeal, funky looks and relatively steep asking prices mean that it’s worth considering among larger small cars.
Very few city cars carry quite the reputation and retro feel of the modern Fiat 500.
The engine choice varies from four petrol engines (including a very frugal TwinAir unit) and one diesel.
MINI (2007)
Starting price - £11,810
The current Mini hatchback may seem big compared to the original incarnation, but the hatchback still remains a reasonable choice in the small car market.
Easy to drive and available with some very economical diesel engines, on the downside rear and boot space plus standard equipment are all lacking.
Nissan Juke (2010)
Starting price - £13,395
It may seem odd to find a SUV mentioned in a list of small cars, but the Juke is part of a recently emerged flock of mini crossover vehicles, all considerably smaller compared to standard SUV types.
The Juke itself is almost the same size, in terms of footprint, as the Nissan Micra. Offers the sort of interior space and ride found in a refined SUV for considerably less money; looks may be an issue however.
Alfa Romeo Mito (2009)
Starting price - £12,250
Alfa’s answer to the MINI is the Mito supermini, built on a Fiat platform. It’s available with a variety of engines including frugal diesels or a turbocharged petrol.
The Mito not only has appealing presentation, its fun to drive as well thanks to its agile handling ability. On the down side, it’s unforgiving on rough roads and lacks in practicality compared to other hatchbacks.
Honda Jazz (2008)
Starting price - £11,925
The latest family-friendly Honda Jazz small car is not a particularly exciting car, but it certainly knows how to get the job done.
All told the Jazz supermini is a solid all-round practical choice that offers superior interior space to most others in the sector – and it’s unlikely to let you down.
Hyundai i20 (2009)
Starting price - £9,745
Replacing the Getz, the i20 supermini is one of Hyundai’s latest hatchbacks and offers a reasonable alternative to popular models like the Vauxhall Corsa and Volkswagen Polo.
Not particularly fun to drive and hardly the most interesting with a dull interior, but the i20 supermini at least offers practicality and it’s well equipped at an attractive asking price.
Kia Picanto (2011)
Starting price - £7,995
The second generation all-new Kia Picanto supermini has just been launched this year and has already garnered positive reviews – so it can’t be discounted by those looking for a small car.
Starting at a very low price, the Picanto suffers from little bootspace and light steering, but rates well in equipment, practicality and in the economic factor.
Chevrolet Spark (2010)
Starting price - £7,215
Replacing the old Chevy Matiz, the Spark supermini is much more unique and interesting in terms of styling. The newer model is also more practical then its predecessor, passenger space is impressive all-round for a car in this category.
Driving is fairly unspectacular, but good enough for driving and parking in the city. The Spark’s most appealing features are its low price and running costs, making it one of the more affordable small cars on the road.
Nissan Micra (2010)
Starting price - £9,650
The Micra supermini has remained a hit in the UK in its near 30 year history, but the latest version launched last year is facing a battle to stay on buyers lists against an increasing wave of competition.
Nissan’s efforts deliver a small car that still cheap and easy to park, making it good for city driving. However, unimpressive quality materials and a comparatively weak driving experience mean the Micra pales against similar-priced rivals.
Seat Ibiza (2008)
Starting price - £11,425
Another veteran in the small hatchback market, the latest Ibiza supermini sports a trendy look that won it some prestigious Red Dot design awards recently – it’s certainly one of the more dynamic small cars on the road.
Beyond that, the car is good to drive and live with. Pricing compared to other small car rivals is a set back but remains worthy if affordable.
Vauxhall Meriva (2010)
Starting price - £12,495
For motorists looking for a small car that can fit a whole family, they may consider a Mini MPV. The Meriva B is a leader in this particular category.
Featuring useful rear-hinged side doors which make seating children an easier task, the Meriva has the requirements for a small practical family car, while remaining versatile enough on the road.
Mazda2 (2007)
Starting price - £10,305
The stylish Mazda2 has been spoken positively in the press as a neatly equipped and good car to drive. It even got named Car of the Year back in 2008.
However while it is one of the better small cars around, it doesn’t really do much to justify having a bigger price tag compared to similar rivals from the likes of Ford and Vauxhall.
Proton Savvy (2005)
Starting price - £7,995
This little hatchback was made to act as a cheaper alternative to common city cars like the Ford Ka for instance.
While the Savvy is a reasonable drive and surprisingly spacious the downgraded quality and dated feel really shows the car’s age.
Toyota Yaris (2006)
Starting Price - £10,730
The Yaris exists as a good if unspectacular alternative for those looking for a supermini.
Still available on the market, the Yaris will not wow motorists but is one of the least likely to let you down when called upon. A new fresher looking generation model is set to arrive in Europe later this year.
Fiat Punto Evo (2010)
Starting price - £10,400
The recently launched Punto Evo, replacement for the Grande Punto, brought new engines and a welcome improvement to Fiat’s reputation in terms of quality.
It has practical equipment and a competent if firm ride. The Fiat Punto Evo is an economical small car to, yet struggles for appeal and in pricing sitting next to the 500.
Citroen C3 (2010)
Starting price - £11,395
Replacing the ageing first generation model; the 2010 C3 hatchback sports a fresh new look and takes a step forward in quality. The higher class interior is well equipped, as well as comfortable and quiet to sit within.
When driving this car, it is certainly manageable but owners may find the steering lacking in feedback, making the C3 less fun to drive compared to other cheap hatchbacks.
Peugeot 207 (2006)
Starting price - £9,995
The 207 hasn’t changed much since it first launched five years ago, but neither that or its age has seen the hatchback drop out the competition.
Still looking sharp and modern, the Peugeot has a long list of engines to choose from, including a 1.6l HDi diesel and a 175hp 1.6l turbo. Unfortunately petrol engines feel sluggish and driving experience is unremarkable. The 207 does enough for now though to remain in the market.
Mitsubishi i-MiEV (2011)
Starting price - £23,990
The i-MiEV is a very small five-door hatchback built to fit right in with the modern city. Its main appeal is that it is purely electric powered and is therefore a zero emission car.
It certainly driveable and holds an appeal in these eco-aware times, however there is already a lot of similar competition.
Mitsubishi have tried to market the car to a younger audience to secure its path as one for the future but the current pricing could prove a major stumbling block.